Matt Canada is in his second season as the Steelers' offensive coordinator after being promoted to the position on January 25, 2021. He was hired by the Steelers as the quarterbacks coach on January 15, 2020 and spent one year in the role.
The offense saw an overhaul in personnel during Canada's first season at the helm, as nearly half of the players to start in Week 1 of 2021 weren't on the team the year prior. Rookies Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth were especially influencial additions, as Harris set records for most rushes (307), rushing yards (1,200), receptions (74) and receiving yards (467) by a rookie running back in franchise history and led the NFL in touches (381). Freiermuth finished his debut season setting a franchise record for receptions by a rookie tight end (60) and receiving yards by a rookie tight end (497).
In 2020, under Canada's guidance, Ben Roethlisberger completed 65.6 percent of his passes (399 of 608) for 3,803 yards and 33 TD passes in 15 games. Roethlisberger ranked third in the NFL in both attempts and completions and ranked tied for seventh in the League in TDs. His 33 TD passes were the second-most he's completed in a single season in his 17-year career.
Prior to his arrival in Pittsburgh, Canada owned nearly two decades of experience as both a highly successful quarterbacks' coach and offensive coordinator. Prior to his time with the Steelers, Canada's units set offensive school records at Indiana, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, and Pittsburgh, and as the interim head coach at the University of Maryland in 2018.
Canada served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks' coach at LSU in 2017. Tigers' quarterback Danny Etling threw 16 TDs and only 2 interceptions, while LSU finished the season No. 1 nationally in fewest turnovers. The Tigers won six of seven SEC games down the stretch and earned a trip to the Citrus Bowl.
Among the quarterbacks developed by Canada are former NC State quarterback, New England Patriots third-round NFL Draft pick and current Cleveland Browns signal caller Jacoby Brissett, who threw for 43 TDs and just 11 interceptions over a two-year period under Canada. Canada also mentored first-team All-MAC quarterback Chandler Harnish (Northern Illinois), two-time honorable mention All-Big Ten quarterback Ben Chappell (Indiana), second-team All-Big Ten quarterback Kellen Lewis (Indiana) and fifth-round NFL Draft pick Nathan Peterman (Pitt), who threw for 27 TDs and 7 interceptions in a season when the Panthers broke a number of school records on offense.
In Canada's one season with the Panthers (2016), Pitt averaged a school-record 42 points per game, which ranked No. 10 in the nation. The Panthers led the nation in red-zone TD percentage (82%) and scored at least 28 points in all 12 regular-season games, including a 43-42 victory at eventual national champion Clemson. Pitt allowed just 9 sacks in the regular season, which was the fewest of any Power 5 program. Running back James Conner rushed for over 1,000 yards, scored 16 TDs, and earned first-team All-ACC honors. The Panthers finished the regular season 8-4 and earned a trip to the Pinstripe Bowl.
At NC State (2013-15), under Canada, the Wolfpack finished third in the ACC in scoring offense in 2015 and scored the most points (41) in the regular season against College Football Playoff finalist Clemson.
Canada served a critical role in leading Wisconsin to a Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl berth in 2012. The Badgers routed Nebraska, 70-31, in the conference title game. Wisconsin finished No. 12 nationally in rushing offense and Montee Ball won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back. Ball also earned first-team AP All-American honors.
Prior to joining the Wisconsin staff, Canada led offenses at both Northern Illinois (2003, 2011) and Indiana (2007-10). In 2011, the Huskies won the MAC championship and finished in the top 12 nationally in scoring offense, total offense and rushing offense. Canada guided an Indiana offense that scored a school-record 412 points in 2007.
